Assessment of Vitality, Blood Profile, and Degree of Meconium Staining on the Skin in Newborn Dogs According to Its Birth Weight.

Neonatal mortality in dogs reaches up to 40%. Due to the high rates, promptly detecting the causes and preventing newborns from dying are extremely important. Vitality evaluation, blood parameters, and the degree of meconium staining on the skin are valuable resources in canine perinatology. In this study, 435 puppies from 85 bitches close to parturition were recruited and divided into four quartiles according to the puppy's birth weight: Q1 (127-200 g) n = 110 puppies, Q2 (201-269 g) n = 108 puppies, Q3 (270-388 g) n = 108 puppies, and Q4 (389-464 g) n = 109 puppies. This experimental article aimed to report the effect of birth weight on the blood profile variables, the vitality of newborn puppies, and the meconium staining degree, integrating these three aspects. It was concluded that the weight of newborns was correlated with the degree of meconium staining, presenting more cases of severe meconium staining in the puppies of the highest birth weight group. The weight of the newborns was correlated with a higher number of stillbirths and alterations in the blood variables, showing the most severe cases of metabolic acidosis, hypoxia, and hypoglycemia in the puppies of the Q4 quartile. On the contrary, no statistically significant correlations were found between the weight of newborns and vitality. Nevertheless, the analysis of the results showed that the most vigorous puppies were found at Q1; however, at minute 60 after birth (AB), all the puppies in the four quartiles standardized their vitality scores.

Potential Biomarkers of impulsivity in mild traumatic brain injury: A pilot study.

Very few studies have investigated cognition and impulsivity following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the general population. Furthermore, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying post-TBI neurobehavioral syndromes are complex and remain to be fully clarified. Herein, we took advantage of machine learning based-modeling to investigate potential biomarkers of mTBI-associated impulsivity. Twenty-one mTBI patients were assessed within one-month post-TBI and their data were compared to 19 healthy controls on measures of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale - BIS), executive functioning, episodic memory, self-report cognitive failures and blood biomarkers of inflammation, vascular and neuronal damage. mTBI patients were significantly more impulsive than controls in BIS total and subscales. Serum levels of sCD40L, Cathepsin D, IL-4, Neuropilin-1, IFN-α2, and Copeptin were associated with impulsivity in mTBI patients. Besides showing that mTBI are associated with impulsivity in non-military people, we unveiled different pathophysiological pathways potentially implicated in mTBI-related impulsivity.

Plasma p-tau217 predicts in vivo brain pathology and cognition in autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Plasma-measured tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p-tau217) is a potential non-invasive biomarker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether plasma p-tau217 predicts subsequent cognition and positron emission tomography (PET) markers of pathology in autosomal dominant AD. METHODS: We analyzed baseline levels of plasma p-tau217 and its associations with amyloid PET, tau PET, and word list delayed recall measured 7.61 years later in non-demented age- and education-matched presenilin-1 E280A carriers (n = 24) and non-carrier (n = 20) family members. RESULTS: Carriers had higher plasma p-tau217 levels than non-carriers. Baseline plasma p-tau217 was associated with subsequent amyloid and tau PET pathology levels and cognitive function. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that plasma p-tau217 predicts subsequent brain pathological burden and memory performance in presenilin-1 E280A carriers. These results provide support for plasma p-tau217 as a minimally invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for AD, with potential utility in clinical practice and trials. HIGHLIGHTS: Non-demented presenilin-1 E280A carriers have higher plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 217 (p-tau217) than do age-matched non-carriers. Higher baseline p-tau217 is associated with greater future amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) pathology burden. Higher baseline p-tau217 is associated with greater future tau PET pathology burden. Higher baseline p-tau217 is associated with worse future memory performance.

Reference Intervals for Blood Biomarkers in Farmed Atlantic Salmon, Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout in Chile: Promoting a Preventive Approach in Aquamedicine.

The mission of veterinary clinical pathology is to support the diagnostic process by using tests to measure different blood biomarkers to support decision making about farmed fish health and welfare. The objective of this study is to provide reference intervals (RIs) for 44 key hematological, blood biochemistry, blood gasometry and hormones biomarkers for the three most economically important farmed salmonid species in Chile (Atlantic salmon, coho salmon and rainbow trout) during the freshwater (presmolt and smolt age range) and seawater stages (post-smolt and adult age range). Our results confirmed that the concentration or activity of most blood biomarkers depend on the salmonid species, age range and/or the interaction between them, and they are often biologically related to each other. Erythogram and leukogram profiles revealed a similar distribution in rainbow trout and coho salmon, but those in Atlantic salmon were significantly different. While the activity of the most clinically important plasma enzymes demonstrated a similar profile in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout, coho salmon demonstrated a significantly different distribution. Plasma electrolyte and mineral profiles showed significant differences between salmonid species, especially for rainbow trout, while Atlantic salmon and coho salmon demonstrated a high degree of similarity. Furthermore, electrolytes, minerals and blood gasometry biomarkers were significantly different between age ranges, suggesting a considerably different distribution between freshwater and seawater-farmed fish. The RIs of clinically healthy fish described in this study take into account the high biological variation of farmed fish in Chile, as the 3.059 individuals came from 78 different fish farms, both freshwater and seawater, and blood samples were collected using the same pre-analytical protocol. Likewise, our study provides the Chilean salmon farming industry with standardized protocols that can be used routinely and provides valuable information to improve the preventive vision of aquamedicine through the application of blood biomarkers to support and optimize health, welfare and husbandry management in the salmon farming industry.

Prognosing the risk of COVID-19 death through a machine learning-based routine blood panel: A retrospective study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite an extensive network of primary care availability, Brazil has suffered profoundly during the COVID-19 pandemic, experiencing the greatest sanitary collapse in its history. Thus, it is important to understand phenotype risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection severity in the Brazilian population in order to provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study proposes to predict the risk of COVID-19 death through machine learning, using blood biomarkers data from patients admitted to two large hospitals in Brazil. METHODS: We retrospectively collected blood biomarkers data in a 24-h time window from 6,979 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by positive RT-PCR admitted to two large hospitals in Brazil, of whom 291 (4.2%) died and 6,688 (95.8%) were discharged. We then developed a large-scale exploration of risk models to predict the probability of COVID-19 severity, finally choosing the best performing model regarding the average AUROC. To improve generalizability, for each model five different testing scenarios were conducted, including two external validations. RESULTS: We developed a machine learning-based panel composed of parameters extracted from the complete blood count (lymphocytes, MCV, platelets and RDW), in addition to C-Reactive Protein, which yielded an average AUROC of 0.91 ± 0.01 to predict death by COVID-19 confirmed by positive RT-PCR within a 24-h window. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that routine laboratory variables could be useful to identify COVID-19 patients under higher risk of death using machine learning. Further studies are needed for validating the model in other populations and contexts, since the natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and its consequences on the hematopoietic system and other organs is still quite recent.

Neuroproteomics Chip-Based Mass Spectrometry and Other Techniques for Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers - Update.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of growing interest given that there is cognitive damage and symptom onset acceleration. Therefore, it is important to find AD biomarkers for early diagnosis, disease progression, and discrimination of AD and other diseases. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to update the relevance of mass spectrometry for the identification of peptides and proteins involved in AD useful as discriminating biomarkers. METHODS: Proteomics and peptidomics technologies that show the highest possible specificity and selectivity for AD biomarkers are analyzed, together with the biological fluids used. In addition to positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is widely used to identify proteins and peptides involved in AD. The use of protein chips in SELDI technology and electroblotting chips for peptides makes feasible small amounts (µL) of samples for analysis. RESULTS: Suitable biomarkers are related to AD pathology, such as intracellular neurofibrillary tangles; extraneuronal senile plaques; neuronal and axonal degeneration; inflammation and oxidative stress. Recently, peptides were added to the candidate list, which are not amyloid-ß or tau fragments, but are related to coagulation, brain plasticity, and complement/neuroinflammation systems involving the neurovascular unit. CONCLUSION: The progress made in the application of mass spectrometry and recent chip techniques is promising for discriminating between AD, mild cognitive impairment, and matched healthy controls. The application of this technique to blood samples from patients with AD has shown to be less invasive and fast enough to determine the diagnosis, stage of the disease, prognosis, and follow-up of the therapeutic response.

Interventional Study to Evaluate the Clinical Effects and Safety of the Nutraceutical Compound BrainUp-10® in a Cohort of Patients with Alzheimer's Disease: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Clinically-evaluated nutraceuticals are candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention and treatment. Phase I studies showed biological safety of the nutraceutical BrainUp-10®, while a pilot trial demonstrated efficacy for treatment. Cell studies demonstrated neuroprotection. BrainUp-10® blocks tau self-assembly. Apathy is the most common of behavioral alterations. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore efficacy of BrainUp-10® in mitigating cognitive and behavioral symptoms and in providing life quality, in a cohort of Chilean patients with mild to moderate AD. METHODS: The was a multicenter, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical study in mild to moderate AD patients treated with BrainUp-10® daily, while controls received a placebo. Primary endpoint was Apathy (AES scale), while secondary endpoints included Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test (TMT A and TMT B), and Neuropsychiatry Index (NPI). AD blood biomarkers were analyzed. Laboratory tests were applied to all subjects. RESULTS: 82 patients were enrolled. The MMSE score improved significantly at week 24 compared to baseline with tendency to increase, which met the pre-defined superiority criteria. NPI scores improved, the same for caregiver distress at 12th week (p = 0.0557), and the alimentary response (p = 0.0333). Apathy tests showed a statistically significant decrease in group treated with BrainUp-10®, with p = 0.0321 at week 4 and p = 0.0480 at week 12 treatment. A marked decrease in homocysteine was shown with BrainUp-10® (p = 0.0222). CONCLUSION: Data show that BrainUp-10® produces a statistically significant improvement in apathy, ameliorating neuropsychiatric distress of patients. There were no compound-related adverse events. BrainUp-10® technology may enable patients to receive the benefits for their cognitive and behavioral problems.

Desarrollo y validación de técnicas analíticas para la determinación de biomarcadores sanguíneos en ensayos preclínicos. ¿Por qué y para qué? / Development and validation of analytical techniques for the determination of blood biomarkers in preclinical trials. Why and what for?

Resumen El descubrimiento de un nuevo principio activo farmacéutico implica estudios preclínicos, que tienen como objetivo demostrar que es eficaz y seguro para un posterior ensayo en seres humanos. Esto conduce a la necesidad de desarrollar tecnologías que aprovechen las nuevas herramientas analíticas disponi bles dentro de un contexto donde los resultados de las pruebas realizadas, estén plenamente documentados, bajo sistemas de buenas prácticas de laboratorio auditables. En esta revisión se actualizan y describen algunos de los ensayos realizados en la etapa preclínica del desarrollo de un nuevo fármaco y el estado actual de la tecnología analítica empleada para el dosaje de diferentes biomarcadores sanguíneos de interés. Se analizaron los biomarcadores más relevantes, las normativas de validación de las técnicas analíticas empleadas para su determinación y los problemas que se presentan al tratar de aplicarlas.

Abstract New drug discovery involves preclinical studies to demonstrate its effectivity and safety for further tests in humans. This leads to the need to develop technologies that take advantage of the new analytical tools available within a context where the results of the tests carried out are fully documented, under auditable systems of good laboratory practice. This review updates and describes some of the tests carried out in the preclinical stage of the development of a new drug and the current state of the analytical technology used to measure different blood biomarkers of interest. Biomarker parameters were analyzed at the physiological level, considering both the validation regulations of the analytical techniques used for their determination as the problems that arise when trying to apply them, since many of these biomarkers are endogenous compounds in the used matrices.

[Development and validation of analytical techniques for the determination of blood biomarkers in preclinical trials. Why and what for?] / Desarrollo y validación de técnicas analíticas para la determinación de biomarcadores sanguíneos en ensayos preclínicos. ¿Por qué y para qué?

New drug discovery involves preclinical studies to demonstrate its effectivity and safety for further tests in humans. This leads to the need to develop technologies that take advantage of the new analytical tools available within a context where the results of the tests carried out are fully documented, under auditable systems of good laboratory practice. This review updates and describes some of the tests carried out in the preclinical stage of the development of a new drug and the current state of the analytical technology used to measure different blood biomarkers of interest. Biomarker parameters were analyzed at the physiological level, considering both the validation regulations of the analytical techniques used for their determination as the problems that arise when trying to apply them, since many of these biomarkers are endogenous compounds in the used matrices.

El descubrimiento de un nuevo principio activo farmacéutico implica estudios preclínicos, que tienen como objetivo demostrar que es eficaz y seguro para un posterior ensayo en seres humanos. Esto conduce a la necesidad de desarrollar tecnologías que aprovechen las nuevas herramientas analíticas disponibles dentro de un contexto donde los resultados de las pruebas realizadas, estén plenamente documentados, bajo sistemas de buenas prácticas de laboratorio auditables. En esta revisión se actualizan y describen algunos de los ensayos realizados en la etapa preclínica del desarrollo de un nuevo fármaco y el estado actual de la tecnología analítica empleada para el dosaje de diferentes biomarcadores sanguíneos de interés. Se analizaron los biomarcadores más relevantes, las normativas de validación de las técnicas analíticas empleadas para su determinación y los problemas que se presentan al tratar de aplicarlas.

Cryptococcal Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome: From Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers to Treatment Approaches.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) presents as an exaggerated immune reaction that occurs during dysregulated immune restoration in immunocompromised patients in late-stage human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have commenced antiretroviral treatments (ART). Virtually any opportunistic pathogen can provoke this type of immune restoration disorder. In this review, we focus on recent developments in the identification of risk factors for Cryptococcal IRIS and on advancements in our understanding of C-IRIS immunopathogenesis. We overview new findings in blood and cerebrospinal fluid which can potentially be useful in the prediction and diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis IRIS (CM-IRIS). We assess current therapeutic regimens and novel treatment approaches to combat CM-IRIS. We discuss the utility of biomarkers for clinical monitoring and adjusting treatment modalities in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients co-infected with Cryptococcus who have initiated ART.

Metabolic dynamics of native lambs fed with Tifton 85 hay or Maniçoba hay associated with the spineless cactus / Dinâmica metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 ou feno de maniçoba associados à palma forrageira

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.(AU)

Metabolic dynamics of native lambs fed with Tifton 85 hay or Maniçoba hay associated with the spineless cactus / Dinâmica metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 ou feno de maniçoba associados à palma forrageira

The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic response of native lambs fed Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon dactylon) or Maniçoba hay (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associated with spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Sixteen Morada Nova lambs were used, with a mean initial weight of 19.36±1.48kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with two treatments and eight replications. Dry matter intake was higher for lambs fed Maniçoba hay compared to Tifton hay, while the body weight at slaughter was not influenced by diets. Regarding the blood metabolites, only the serum concentration of urea was influenced, with higher value observed in the lambs that fed the diet containing Tifton hay. When analyzing blood biomarkers, in the different biweekly collections, a linear increase in the blood concentration of urea, glucose, fructosamine, alkaline phosphatase and sodium was observed, as well as a quadratic effect for serum potassium. The other blood metabolites were not influenced in function of the collection days. The replacement of Tifton 85 hay for Maniçoba hay does not cause negative changes in the dynamics of different biomarkers and presents itself as a promising forage resource.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta metabólica de cordeiros nativos alimentados com feno de capim-tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon) ou feno de maniçoba (Manihot pseudoglaziovii) associados à palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck). Foram utilizados 16 cordeiros Morada Nova, com peso inicial médio de 19,36±1,48kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e oito repetições. O consumo de matéria seca foi maior nos cordeiros alimentados com feno de maniçoba em comparação ao feno de tifton, enquanto o peso corporal ao abate não foi influenciado pelas dietas. Em relação aos metabólitos sanguíneos, apenas a concentração sérica de ureia foi influenciada, com maior valor observado nos cordeiros que ingeriram a dieta contendo feno de capim-tifton. Quando foi realizada a análise dos biomarcadores sanguíneos nas diferentes coletas quinzenais, foi observado aumento linear nas concentrações sanguíneas de ureia, glicose, frutosamina, fosfatase alcalina e sódio, e efeito quadrático para o potássio sérico. Os demais metabólitos sanguíneos não foram influenciados em função dos dias de coleta. A substituição do feno de tifton 85 por feno de maniçoba influencia positivamente o metabolismo de cordeiros sem causar alterações na dinâmica dos diferentes biomarcadores e se apresenta como um promissor recurso forrageiro.(AU)

Long distance training associated to HIIT protocol does not induce changes in blood biochemical markers in adult marathoners

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify blood markers during a 12-week training protocol and after Sao Paulo Marathon. Methods: Blood samples of 9 male marathoners were collected before (C1) and after (C2) 12-week training protocol, before (C3) and after (C4) marathon. Muscle and liver damage markers (creatine kinase [CK-MM], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT]), oxidative stress levels (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) and serum iron concentration were measured. Results: changes were identified comparing moment C4 to other moments for CK-MM and iron. For AST, ALT, and TBARS no differences were identified. Conclusion: strenuous exercises might elicit changes on blood markers, needing follow up strategies to avoid impairments to athletes' performance and health.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar marcadores sanguíneos durante 12 semanas de treinamento e após a Maratona de São Paulo. Metodologia: amostras de sangue de 9 maratonistas foram coletadas antes (C1) e após (C2) o treinamento de 12 semanas, antes (C3) e após (C4) a maratona. Marcadores sanguíneos e hepáticos (creatina quinase [CK-MM], aspartato aminotransf. [AST], alanina aminotransf. [ALT]), níveis de estresse oxidativo (subst. reativas ácido tiobarbitúrico [TBARS]) e ferro sérico foram analisados. Resultados: Verificaram-se alterações de CK-MM e ferro entre C4 e os outros momentos. Para AST, ALT e TBARS não se encontrou diferenças. Conclusão: exercícios exaustivos podem causar alterações em marcadores sanguíneos, requerendo estratégias de monitoramento para evitar danos ao desempenho e saúde do atleta.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar marcadores sanguíneos durante 12 semanas de entrenamiento y después del Maratón de São Paulo. Metodología: muestras de sangre de 9 maratonistas fueron recogidas antes (C1) y después (C2) el entrenamiento, y antes (C3) y después (C4) a maratón. Se analizaron marcadores sanguíneos y hepáticos (creatina quinasa [CK-MM], aspartato aminotransf. [AST], alanina aminotransf. [ALT]), estrés oxidativo (sustancias reactivas del ácido tiobarbitúrico [TBARS]) y de hierro. Resultados: Se encontraron cambios comparando C4 y otros momentos para CK-MM y hierro. Para AST, ALT y TBARS no se encontraron diferencias. Conclusión: ejercicios extenuantes pueden causar cambios en marcadores sanguíneos, requiriendo estrategias de monitoreo para evitar daños al desempeño y salud del atleta.

Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 (sICAM-1) as a Biomarker of Vascular Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction and subsequent inflammation contribute to the development of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) is upregulated in endothelial dysfunction and promotes an inflammatory response; however, the relationship between sICAM-1 and VCI remains equivocal. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sICAM-1 contributes to the prediction of VCI. METHODS: Community-dwelling older adults (n = 172) from the "Cohort of Obesity, Sarcopenia and Frailty of Older Mexican Adults" (COSFOMA) study were identified as VCI or controls using standard neuropsychological evaluations and neuroimaging. sICAM-1 was quantified using ELISA, and multivariate logistic regression determined the association between sICAM-1 and VCI. RESULTS: A total of 31 VCI cases were identified. sICAM-1 was higher in VCI (VCI: 450.7 [241.6] ng/mL vs. controls: 296.9 [140.9] ng/mL). sICAM-1 concentrations above the 90th percentile (464.1 ng/mL) were associated with VCI group membership in all models (OR: 6.9, 95% CI: 1.1-42.2). The final saturated model explained 64% of the variance in VCI group membership. CONCLUSION: High concentrations of sICAM-1 are independently associated with VCI group membership. Efforts to further characterize the relationship between indices of endothelial dysfunction and pathological changes to the aging brain should be further pursued.

Inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers at protein and molecular levels in workers occupationally exposed to crystalline silica.

Workers chronically exposed to respirable crystalline silica (CS) are susceptible to adverse health effects like silicosis and lung cancer. This study aimed to investigate potential early peripheral biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in miners. The subjects enrolled in this study were occupationally unexposed workers (OUW, n = 29) and workers exposed to crystalline silica (WECS), composed by miners, which were divided into two subgroups: workers without silicosis (WECS I, n = 39) and workers diagnosed with silicosis, retired from work (WECS II, n = 42). The following biomarkers were evaluated: gene expression of L-selectin, CXCL2, CXCL8 (IL-8), HO-1, and p53; malondialdehyde (MDA) plasma levels and non-protein thiol levels in erythrocytes. Additionally, protein expression of L-selectin was evaluated to confirm our previous findings. The results demonstrated that gene expression of L-selectin was decreased in the WECS I group when compared to the OUW group (p < 0.05). Regarding gene expression of CXCL2, CXCL8 (IL-8), HO-1, and p53, significant fold change decreases were observed in workers exposed to CS in relation to unexposed workers (p < 0.05). The results of L-selectin protein expression in lymphocyte surface corroborated with our previous findings; thus, significant downregulation in the WECS groups was observed compared to OUW group (p < 0.05). The MDA was negatively associated with the gene expression of CXCL-2, CXCL8 (IL-8), and p53 (p < 0.05). The participants with silicosis (WECS II) presented significant increased non-protein thiol levels in relation to other groups (p < 0.05). Taken together, our findings may contribute to help the knowledge about the complex mechanisms involved in the silicosis pathogenesis and in the risk of lung cancer development in workers chronically exposed to respirable CS.

Oxidative Stress in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 7 Is Associated with Disease Severity.

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 7 is a neurodegenerative inherited disease caused by a CAG expansion in the coding region of the ATXN7 gene, which results in the synthesis of polyglutamine-containing ataxin-7. Expression of mutant ataxin-7 disturbs different cell processes, including transcriptional regulation, protein conformation and clearance, autophagy, and glutamate transport; however, mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in SCA7 are still unknown. Implication of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases, including polyglutamine disorders, has recently emerged. We perform a cross-sectional study to determine for the first time pheripheral levels of different oxidative stress markers in 29 SCA7 patients and 28 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients with SCA7 exhibit oxidative damage to lipids (high levels of lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde) and proteins (elevated levels of advanced oxidation protein products and protein carbonyls). Furthermore, SCA7 patients showed enhanced activity of various anti-oxidant enzymes (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and paraoxonase) as well as increased total anti-oxidant capacity, which suggest that activation of the antioxidant defense system might occur to counteract oxidant damage. Strikingly, we found positive correlation between some altered oxidative stress markers and disease severity, as determined by different clinical scales, with early-onset patients showing a more severe disturbance of the redox system than adult-onset patients. In summay, our results suggest that oxidative stress might contribute to SCA7 pathogenesis. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers that were found relevant to SCA7 in this study could be useful to follow disease progression and monitor therapeutic intervention.

Effects of age and sex on blood biochemistry of dorper lambs / Influência das faixas etárias e do sexo sobre variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de cordeiros da raça dorper

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations and influence of age group and sex on biochemical variables of 32 male and female Dorper sheep at the age of 15 to 121 days. Four blood samples were collected from each animal, at monthly intervals, totaling 128 samples. Biochemical variables determined in each sample were total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (tCHOL), high density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (LDL-C), very low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (VLDL-C), urea, creatinine (CRE), total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), phosphorus (P), calcium/phosphorus ratio (Ca/P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results were obtained in four moments according to age: M1 - sheep from 15 to 30 days, M2 - sheep from 45 to 61 days, M3 - sheep from 74 to 90 days and M4 - sheep from 105 to 121 days. Comparing the values of the biochemical variables among the four age groups studied a significant difference (p 0.05) was observed in the concentrations of all the variables evaluated except for Na, Cl and ALT. Sex did not influence (p > 0.05) the values of the biochemical variables analyzed. Based on the results, it is concluded that the agegroups exert a significant influence on the majority of blood biochemical variables of Dorper sheep from15 to 121 days of age.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar as variações fisiológicas e influência das faixas etárias e sexo nas variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de 32 ovinos machos e fêmeas da raça Dorper dos 15 aos 121 dias de idade. Foram realizadas quatro coletas de sangue em cada animal, em intervalos mensais, totalizando 128 amostras. As variáveis bioquímicas determinadas em cada amostra foram proteína total (PT), albumina (ALB), globulinas (GLOB), relação albumina/globulina (A/G), glicose (GLI), triglicérides (TRI), colesterol total (CHOLt), lipoproteínas de alta densidade carreadoras de colesterol (HDL-C), lipoproteínas de baixa densidade carreadoras de colesterol (LDL-C), lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade carreadoras de colesterol (VLDL-C), ureia, creatinina (CREA), cálcio total (Cat), cálcio ionizado (Cai), fósforo (P), relação cálcio/fósforo (Ca/P), magnésio (Mg), sódio (Na), potássio (K), cloreto (Cl), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e fosfatase alcalina (FAL). Os resultados foram obtidos em quatro momentos de acordo com a idade: M1 - ovinos de 15 a 30 dias, M2 - ovinos de 45 a 61 dias, M3 - ovinos de 74 a 90 dias e M4 - ovinos de 105 a 121 dias. Comparados os valores das variáveis bioquímicas entre as quatro faixas etárias estudadas observou-se diferença significativa (p < 0,05) nas concentrações de todas as variáveis avaliadas com exceção de Na, Cl e ALT. O sexo não influenciou (p > 0,05) os valores dasvariáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas analisadas. Com base nos resultados conclui-se que as faixas etáriasexercem influência significativa na maioria das variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de ovinos da raçaDorper dos 15 aos 121 dias de idade.(AU)

Effects of age and sex on blood biochemistry of dorper lambs / Influência das faixas etárias e do sexo sobre variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de cordeiros da raça dorper

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological variations and influence of age group and sex on biochemical variables of 32 male and female Dorper sheep at the age of 15 to 121 days. Four blood samples were collected from each animal, at monthly intervals, totaling 128 samples. Biochemical variables determined in each sample were total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLB), albumin/globulin ratio (A/G), glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (tCHOL), high density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (HDL-C), low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (LDL-C), very low density cholesterol carrying lipoproteins (VLDL-C), urea, creatinine (CRE), total calcium (tCa), ionized calcium (iCa), phosphorus (P), calcium/phosphorus ratio (Ca/P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The results were obtained in four moments according to age: M1 - sheep from 15 to 30 days, M2 - sheep from 45 to 61 days, M3 - sheep from 74 to 90 days and M4 - sheep from 105 to 121 days. Comparing the values of the biochemical variables among the four age groups studied a significant difference (p 0.05) was observed in the concentrations of all the variables evaluated except for Na, Cl and ALT. Sex did not influence (p > 0.05) the values of the biochemical variables analyzed. Based on the results, it is concluded that the agegroups exert a significant influence on the majority of blood biochemical variables of Dorper sheep from15 to 121 days of age.

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar as variações fisiológicas e influência das faixas etárias e sexo nas variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de 32 ovinos machos e fêmeas da raça Dorper dos 15 aos 121 dias de idade. Foram realizadas quatro coletas de sangue em cada animal, em intervalos mensais, totalizando 128 amostras. As variáveis bioquímicas determinadas em cada amostra foram proteína total (PT), albumina (ALB), globulinas (GLOB), relação albumina/globulina (A/G), glicose (GLI), triglicérides (TRI), colesterol total (CHOLt), lipoproteínas de alta densidade carreadoras de colesterol (HDL-C), lipoproteínas de baixa densidade carreadoras de colesterol (LDL-C), lipoproteínas de muito baixa densidade carreadoras de colesterol (VLDL-C), ureia, creatinina (CREA), cálcio total (Cat), cálcio ionizado (Cai), fósforo (P), relação cálcio/fósforo (Ca/P), magnésio (Mg), sódio (Na), potássio (K), cloreto (Cl), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), gama glutamiltransferase (GGT) e fosfatase alcalina (FAL). Os resultados foram obtidos em quatro momentos de acordo com a idade: M1 - ovinos de 15 a 30 dias, M2 - ovinos de 45 a 61 dias, M3 - ovinos de 74 a 90 dias e M4 - ovinos de 105 a 121 dias. Comparados os valores das variáveis bioquímicas entre as quatro faixas etárias estudadas observou-se diferença significativa (p 0,05) os valores dasvariáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas analisadas. Com base nos resultados conclui-se que as faixas etáriasexercem influência significativa na maioria das variáveis bioquímicas sanguíneas de ovinos da raçaDorper dos 15 aos 121 dias de idade.

Adverse effect of agroecosystem pond water on biological endpoints of common toad (Rhinella arenarum) tadpoles.

Chemical prroducts used in farming and wastes from livestock can contaminate pond water in agroecosystems due to runoff. Amphibians using these ponds for breeding are probably exposed to pollutants, and serious consequences might be observed afterward at the population level. Assessment biological endpoints of anuran to water quality give a realistic estimate of the probability of occurrence of adverse effects and provide an early warning signal. In this study, the ecotoxicity of agroecosystem ponds from the south of Córdoba province, Argentina, was investigated. Ponds in four sites with different degrees of human disturbance were selected: three agroecosystems (A1, A2, A3) and a site without crops or livestock (SM). The effect of pond water quality on the biological endpoint of Rhinella arenarum tadpoles was examined using microcosms with pond water from sites. Biological endpoints assessed were as follows: mortality, growth, development, morphological abnormalities (in body shape, gut, and labial tooth row formula), behavior, and blood cell parameters (micronucleus and nuclear abnormalities). Results indicated that water from agroecosystems has adverse effect on early life stage of R. arenarum. High mortality and fewer metamorphs were recorded in the A1 and A3 treatments. Tadpoles and metamorphs from A1 and A2 treatments had lower body condition. Tadpoles from A1 and A3 showed the highest prevalence of morphological abnormalities. The lowest amount of tadpoles feeding and the highest percentage of tadpoles swimming on the surface were observed in treatments with agroecosystem pond water. The higher frequencies of micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities were recorded in tadpoles from A1, A2, and A3 treatments. We check the sensitivity of the biological endpoints of R. arenarum tadpoles like early warning indicators of water quality. We found that the poor water quality of agroecosystem ponds has impact on the health of the tadpoles, and this could affect the persistence of populations. We recommend implementation of management actions before the harmful effects of agroecosystem pond water on early life stage of anuran become evident in higher ecological levels.

Analysis of chronic physiological demand of an annual soccer season / Análise da demanda fisiológica crônica de uma temporada anual de futebol

Abstract Exercise intensity monitoring has been essential for the control and planning of sports training. Thus, the aim of the present study was to assess the chronic physiological demand of soccer players during an annual soccer season using blood biomarkers. Ten professional soccer players (21.2 ± 3.7 years) participated in this study. Blood samples were collected on the day before beginning of preseason (C1); at the end of preseason and beginning of competitive calendar (C2); and at the end of the competitive calendar. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), cortisol, testosterone, testosterone/cortisol ratio, creatine kinase and alpha-actin were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed by using ANOVA with repeated measures and the post-hoc Tukey's test. Significance level was set at P<0.05. The results showed significant differences in the following situations: testosterone - C1 higher than C2 and C3; cortisol - C3 higher than C2; testosterone/cortisol ratio - C2 higher than C1, and C3 lower than C1 and C2; creatine kinase - C2 and C3 higher than C1; alpha-actin - C3 higher than C1. IL-6 concentrations were not different between C1, C2 and C3. It could be concluded that an annual soccer season imposes high physiological demand for professional players, since relevant changes in blood biomarkers analyzed were observed.

Resumo O monitoramento da intensidade de esforço entre atletas tem se mostrado essencial para o controle e planejamento do treinamento desportivo. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar por meio de biomarcadores sanguíneos a demanda fisiológica crônica de jogadores de futebol ao longo de uma temporada anual. Dez jogadores profissionais (21,2 ± 3,7 anos) participaram desse estudo. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas no dia anterior ao início da pré-temporada (C1), ao final da pré-temporada e início das competições (C2), e ao final do ano competitivo (C3). Investigou-se as variáveis cortisol, testosterona, relação testosterona/cortisol, creatina quinase, alfa-actina e interleucina 6 (IL-6). Para a análise estatística dos dados utilizou-se ANOVA para medidas repetidas e foi adotado nível de significância de 5%. Os resultados encontrados indicaram diferenças significativas nas seguintes situações: testosterona - C1 maior do que C2 e C3; cortisol - C3 maior do que C2; relação testosterona/cortisol - C2 maior do que C1, e C3 menor do que C1 e C2; creatina quinase - C2 e C3 maior do que C1; alfa-actina - C3 maior do que C1. As concentrações de IL-6 em C1, C2 e C3 não demonstraram diferenças significativas. Pode-se concluir que uma temporada anual de futebol impõe elevada demanda fisiológica entre jogadores profissionais, uma vez que foram observadas alterações relevantes sobre os biomarcadores sanguíneos analisados.